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you. There are matters closer to us that I must see to also." |
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"Of course. Turn a little this way." She swabbed another spot and then sighed. "It is an excellent thought, but I do not see" |
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"You have been taken up with another matter," Ian reminded her. "You must call to mind that the monks of Canterbury had long been dissatisfied with Walter, who, they felt, gave more thought to the kingdom than to their church or to God. Thus, as soon as Walter was dead, they elected their subprior, one called Reginald, to be archbishop and sent him off secretly to Rome. Fortunately for us, the man was as foolish as proud, and no sooner out of England than he put on airs and announced his election to the world." |
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"You are right, I had forgotten," Alinor agreed. |
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"Well, as you can guess, that did not suit John. He needs the weight of the Church behind him, since the barons are not overwilling servants. And, to speak the truth, many bishops do not love the king any better than do the barons. Peter des Roches" |
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"The bishop of Winchester. He is John's creature." |
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"Not so much a creature. Peter of Winchester is no man's creature. Like me, he is John's man. The king advanced him, and he is decently grateful, but he also sees that to allow the king free rein is to drive the barons into rebellion. John does not see it. He believes if he has the Archbishop of Canterbury to back him, he will be able to control both barons and bishops." |
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"Doubtless. Sit up, Ian, and let me bandage you." |
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He came upright and lifted his arms as instructed, but his mind remained with what he was saying. "The king made haste to Canterbury and so terrorized the monks that they repudiated Reginald and elected Gray as John demanded. Another delegation was sent posthaste to Rome with this new election." |
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"That I did remember. So where is your hope?" |
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